WEST CHESTER -- Members of the Freethought Society gathered Saturday outside the Historic Chester County Courthouse to protest a county government decision to ban an atheist Tree of Knowledge display next to other Christmas displays they say support religion.

Headed by Margaret Downey of Pocopson, the president and founder of the Freethought Society, the group formed a human Tree of Knowledge and held up atheist literature as ornaments.

"We are here to say that treating freethinkers like second-class citizens is unacceptable," Downey said. "We demand equal representation on this spot -- government-owned land that is supported by you, the taxpayers."

Downey said the group set up a Tree of Knowledge from 2007 to 2009 but was denied its request for a display last

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year after a vote by county commissioners. They were also denied this year.

After a speech by Downey at the Old Glory statue at High and Market streets, the 30 attendees were encouraged to share their thoughts and discuss how the books they brought shaped their lives.

While atheist literature such as "Jesus Interrupted" and "Does God Exist?" were prevalent, some held up copies of the Bible and the Book of Mormon and discussed how they felt the message in these books was flawed and in turn strengthened their atheistic beliefs.

"As freethinkers, we take religion very seriously," said Glen Loev, secretary of the Freethought Society. "We have examined it, probably more than religious people."

Loev then quoted passages from the Bible to establish his point.

The protesters at the rally were primarily from the greater Philadelphia area but did draw others from Washington, D.C., and Canada.

Loren Corley said he drove from Toronto after hearing about the protest online. He said he had heard Downey speak before and thought this protest would be worthwhile to attend.

Shaun McGonigal said he has been a member the Freethought Society for 10 years and pointed to only one reason why.

"It's because of that plaque," McGonigal said, pointing to the Ten Commandments hanging on the outside of the courthouse building.

Across the street, one man established a counter protest, holding an American flag and a sign that read: "I support the county commissioners."

"I heard about the protest this morning through a friend," said counter protester Bill Jones. "I think they found a time when they could irritate people the most."

Jones said he found the protest offensive considering the atheists don't even have a holiday they are celebrating.

But the protesters said they celebrate the changing of the seasons, the winter solstice, during this holiday season.

"The criticism seems to be it's the winter season," said Staks Rosch, a protester and coordinator for phillycor.org. "It doesn't belong to Christians; it's about the weather, cold, things dying, seasonal depression as well as celebrating with family."

Jones disagreed and thought if they really cared about the seasons changing, he would see them out during the fall, summer and spring.

"I figured, you know, what the county needs is someone on their side," Jones said.

Though Jones held a quiet protest across the street, some residents passing by took the opportunity to let the protesters know how they felt.

"Bullcrap, bullcrap, bullcrap," muttered one woman as she stormed past the group.

Later in the protest, songbooks were handed out and Downey led the group with a recitation of "The Battle of Church and State" and "Friendly, Neighborhood Atheist."

"The action of the Chester County Commissioners endorsed a climate of hatred and bigotry towards those who are not religious," Downey said. "Isn't the duty of public officials to promote harmony and brotherhood within a community? Well, that is not the case in Chester County."

After an hour, the protest disbanded earlier than scheduled because of cold weather and retreated to a local restaurant.

Some protesters stuck around to talk and share opinions with each other.

"I'm not against religion; when churches do good, that should be encouraged," said Herschel Elias, a protester who said he regularly attends church and Bible studies. "I just think a lot of times there is hatred from religious groups."